One feature of
the Society has been the steady encouragement of young fiddlers and
their inclusion in all aspects of the Society’s activities. They range
in age from very young to older years, and from players relatively new
to their instruments to those passing more senior grades. Our juniors
are so committed that it is a very encouraging sign for the future of
traditional Scottish music.

From a musical perspective, the
Junior Orchestra have their weekly group practice and coaching sessions
with Junior Orchestra Conductor, Alexander Davidson. Alexander is
supported by pianist, Colin Dempster and Alice Sinclair from the
Garioch Fiddlers Senior Orchestra.

The Junior Orchestra play their own part in the Rally programme each year and individual
winners of the Alex Garden Memorial Trophy, Bert Morgan Cup and
Bill Johnston Memorial Trophy (Formerly Young Fiddler of the Year) are featured on stage. It is noticeable that
group participation is always appreciated in parallel with competitive
achievement without pressure on youngsters to do both. Combinations of
youngsters have played at concerts and for TV appearances such as the Ceol na Fidhle series.
It was therefore appropriate that a product of all these stages, from a
child member aged 8 in 1988, and now Senior Orchestra Leader, Neil Hehir had a solo spot at our 25th
Rally in April 2008, as a representative of that on-going process of
cultural continuity.

Socially, it is a
happy aspect of the society that all proceedings are rooted in a feeling
of togetherness. In so doing, we have formed the pattern for new
generations of Garioch Fiddlers, something for which we should all be
grateful.

Calling all young fiddlers…..

Have you been playing the fiddle for more than a year
and can play in the basic keys (about Grade 2 standard)?

YES – THE GARIOCH FIDDLERS NEED YOU ! !

Come along to the Kintore Arms
Hotel Inverurie, and enjoy playing with lots of other young people who
like playing the fiddle too. It’s all about music and fun, every Monday
night from 6.30 – 7.30pm.